London Underground said it was operating a good service on its Northern line today despite a strike by drivers.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union walked out for 24 hours in a row over the sacking of a colleague.

Phil Hufton, London Underground’s chief operating officer, said: “We have been clear from the outset that the RMT had absolutely no basis to take strike action after one of their members was dismissed for failing an alcohol breath test. This strike is inappropriate and will achieve nothing whatsoever.

“The strike has been poorly supported and our staff have come to work to help Londoners get to where they need to go. Station staff are also available across the network to help customers with their journeys.”

TfL said only 45 members out of the 106 balloted responded and voted for strike action.

RMT general secretary Mick Cash said: “Our members are standing rock-solid, shoulder to shoulder with their victimised colleague and, as we have said all along, the union is determined to secure a just and fair outcome to this dispute.